Botswana FA bails out players with COVID stipend

Botswana has announced plans to cushion players from the country’s top two divisions from the adverse effects of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Players will be offered a subsidized salary stipend for the next three months. Each of the 16 clubs in the Elite League will have a roster of 25 players who will be entitled to a stipend of P2,500 (205 USD) while the second tier players will receive P1,500 (123 USD) for the months of April to June.

Ugandan players who ply their trade in the Botswana topflight division are expected to be among the beneficiaries, these are Ivan Mboowa (Township Rollers), Lawrence Ndugga (Orapa United FC), Nasri Mbabali (Extension Gunners) and Prisons XI FC duo of Deus Bukenya and Martin Opolot.

The player’s subsidy is part of the 5.8million USD set aside by the Ministry for Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to mitigate the impact of the horrendous Coronavirus pandemic.

Each team will be required to submit a list of 25 players before the subsidy is disbursed directly to players’ bank accounts.

The Botswana Football Association has also agreed to assist referees through the FIFA relief fund.